Aesthetic Calypso or CJ Et3 or Primaluna Dialogue 3


Which one of the tube preamps would you mate to a Pass Labs xa30.5 and why?

Used or New option for purchase

I looking for a detailed sound, detailed wide soundstage, and a sweet high end for a 80's rock junky

Any opinion appreciated


Jeff

Go packers
frozentundra
frozentundra-

good to see you in this new year!  The CJ ACT2 Series2 and ET-3SE are going to be on par w/ one another. The ET-3SE is  a tough competitor because of the teflon caps (SE version only).  Otherwise the ACT2 will trump a non-SE ET-3.

At this level of performance, I would audition both CJ and Aesthetix.
I was disappointed w/ the Treo/Quattro. These speakers do not present like a Thiel, especially, the CS 2.4, 2.7 or 3.7 models.  The "2" and "3" series from Vandersteen are much closer but do not image nor sound as timbral.

Jeff, where are you  located?
Jeff,
I am trying to figure out if the CJ 350SA can drive my Thiel speakers properly.  It is a beast of an amp for sure, I do not know if it dips down below 4ohms though?

I will be traveling more this new year and auditioning gear that is on my must-demo list.  Happy Listening!
frozentundra ...Output impedance on the Primaluna Dialogue Premium is 256 Ohm. It would match very well with your Pass Labs xa30.5 ...Oh,did I mention that it sounds fantastic also? A giant killer if there ever was one. A tube rollers delight...
Jfant

Milwaukee , Wi

is Alabama a state?  Lol
go Clemson 

i think the 350 is 200 watts
im driving mine with 130 watts
30 watts class a

when getting the pass from Class d
i moved the subwoofer setting from 7 to 4
then new Kimber monocle, moved setting to 3

all with 30 watts

as they say " it's the quality not quantity" of watts.   It's true, It's true

87 Db can be run by most 100 waters 
unless you listen at 120 db

I peak at 95 and still not over 30 watts
thats loud & my ears ring

My ramblings 
jeff